Rabi'a - Mystic, Saint, and the Mother of Sufi Love

Rabi'a - Mystic, Saint, and the Mother of Sufi Love

From Let's Talk Religion by Filip Holm

May 31, 2026 · 49 min · Episode 164

About this episode

This episode explores the life and teachings of Rabi'a al-Adawiyya, a pivotal figure in Islamic mysticism.

Who was Rabi'a al-Adawiyya? Explore the life, teachings, and spiritual legacy of one of history’s most influential mystics. From divine love to radical devotion, this video examines how Rabi'a transformed Islamic spirituality and continues to inspire people centuries later. Sources/Recommended Reading: Cornell, Rkia Elaroui (translated by) (1999). "Early Sufi Women: Dhikr an-niswa al-muta 'abbidat as sufiyyat". Fons Vitae. Cornell, Rkia Elaroui (2019). "Rabi'a From Narrative to Myth: The Many Faces of Islam's Most Famous Woman Saint, Rabi'a al-'Adawiyya". Oneworld Academic. Helminski, Camille Adams (2003). "Women of Sufism: A Hidden Treasure". Shambhala. Knysh, Alexander (2000). "Islamic Mysticism: A Short History". Brill. Safi, Omid (2019). "Radical Love: Teachings from the Islamic Mystical Tradition". Yale University Press. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

People in this episode

Host: Filip Holm

Topics covered

  • Sufism
  • Islamic spirituality
  • Mysticism
  • Divine love
  • Radical devotion
  • Rabi'a al-Adawiyya

Keywords

  • Rabi'a al-Adawiyya
  • Sufism
  • Islamic mysticism
  • divine love
  • spiritual legacy
  • women in Sufism

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Fons Vitae, Oneworld Academic, Shambhala, Brill, Yale University Press

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